Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application, while others require physically operated remotes. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect any changes to your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it could make a significant difference to the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a cat or dog it is possible to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They should be emptying less often than the dustbin of the robot.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included in the robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the model. To maintain optimal performance, you should always use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, auto vacuum is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written user manual can aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't expensive. You should seek out a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot using voice. A number of well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will continue where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without you having to escort them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one step.
The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction, and both have a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able to take on your entire house with a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.
In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in a range of costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, if you want more features, it will cost more however, there are options for everyone's budget.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's got wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.